"Is this the volunteer?? He looks a bit scrawny, though."
The studio was filled with cameras and bustling staff organizing the room. One man sat holding a booklet—perhaps related to the song recording. I assumed he was the director, especially with how strangely and curiously he was staring at me.
Volunteer?? What is that man talking about??
"Don't worry, he'll be fine. Just look at that sturdy build of his—he's perfect for it."
Scarlet wrapped her arm around my neck, then began tracing my chest lightly with the tip of her finger, addressing the director with a persuasive smile as if to justify why she brought me here.
And yet… I didn't even know why I was brought here in the first place!!
Also, my face turned red—furiously so—as her body pressed against mine, far too close for comfort ~
The director sighed, then scratched his head in resignation.
"You rejected every other professional client and dragged an amateur in here… Talking further won't change anything. I'll accept him this time—but if he can't keep up with you, we'll cancel his role."
"Trust me! I have a good feeling about this!!"
I looked toward Scarlet, who gave the director a playful wink before I dragged her a few steps away from the others, hissing under my breath, "What did you drag me into, Scarlet??"
"Aren't you the one who wanted to know where I was going?"
She tilted her head, placing a finger on her lower lip in a display of innocence I had no idea she could even fake.
"Cut the act. I'm sure this whole thing is one of your schemes to lure me here," I said, turning away in annoyance. "And I'm not agreeing to this role—whatever it is."
The moment I voiced my rejection, Scarlet's tone instantly shifted to pleading.
"Please, Naruto–kun, don't say no!"
"Sorry, but your tricks never lead to anything good for me," I replied firmly, crossing my arms and looking away.
"Please, Naruto–kun! Just this once! Please save me, and I swear I won't pull any more twisted schemes on you… at least for a while!"
Scarlet clung to me tightly, crying in a hilariously exaggerated way in a desperate attempt to stir my pity, but I stayed silent, unmoved.
"Naruto–kun, I beg you…"
I stood there for a few seconds, then let out a deep sigh.
"First, tell me what this role is exactly… then I'll consider whether to say no or not."
Scarlet's eyes lit up inside the mask with unmistakable joy.
Though I've known her for years, it was only now that I noticed the color of her eyes—and for a brief moment, an image of someone else flashed in my mind.
"Alright, I'll tell you."
.
.
.
At the same time, in another place, two people were walking in silence.
"That fight today was intense… I thought it wouldn't end well,"
spoke the pink-haired girl as she glanced at the black-haired boy beside her—his expression cold and indifferent.
Her heart was pounding as she gazed at his handsome features.
He was the goal her ship was sailing toward, guiding her through stormy, chaotic waves.
Now… she could finally see the end of that vast sea which for so long had blocked her view of the horizon.
She closed her eyes, then stepped ahead, placing herself directly in front of him, causing him to halt in confusion.
"Sasuke–kun… You were the light that entered the darkness of my heart."
She didn't feel like easing into it slowly. She laid everything on the table in a single breath—as though betting her entire life on this one moment.
"At first, I didn't even understand what I felt for you. I thought it was fear. That made sense… because whenever I looked at you, my heart raced like crazy—and it hurt."
Sasuke's eyes remained hidden beneath his dark hair as his mouth parted slightly in shock at what the sweet cherry blossom before him was saying.
"I stayed close to Naruto–kun because he was your closest friend. I believed that by staying near him, I'd never lose you… no matter what happened."
"I know it's a twisted, terrible way of thinking… But I was too nervous to approach you directly, and Naruto–kun was my only way in. I feel awful for using him for so long just to be near you… but I could never bring myself to tell him such a cruel truth."
She placed her hand over her heart, bit her upper lip nervously, eyes shut tight, and face flushed bright red as she looked down.
"Sasuke–kun… When you're near, I feel warmth… peace. When you're with me, it feels like I don't need anyone else in this life anymore."
Her face burned as her words spilled out—countless feelings she had long bottled up began to fade like minerals swept away by a rushing stream.
"These feelings only grew stronger with time… and I began to understand them better too. It's a special kind of feeling—one I can only give to one person… and that person is you, Sasuke–kun."
For the first time, she opened her eyes to look directly at him. Her face was as red as a tomato, and in a barely audible voice, she said:
"Sasuke–kun, ever since we met… I've lo–…"
But the moment her eyes met his… she saw it.
Disgust.
Repulsion.
Clear as day.
Yet the words had already left her lips.
It was too late to take them back.
"…–ved you."
"You're annoying."
.
.
.
Scene Six
. . .
A Wilted Cherry Blossom
. . .
"You're annoying."
Those were the cold and disgusted words that came from Sasuke as he stared at the shocked cherry blossom.
She remained frozen, unable to comprehend what was happening. Never—not in any moment—had she imagined this would happen!
"Huh?!"
That was all she could muster, a confused question from a mind lagging far behind the unfolding reality.
"You're annoying. Pathetic. An attention-seeker. After you're done exploiting Naruto, are you going to latch onto me and use me too?" Sasuke's voice was as icy as ever, his gaze dripping with scorn.
To Sakura, it felt like a nightmare she desperately wanted to wake up from. But it wasn't a dream. This was real.
"W-What do you mean? I-I don't understand, Sasuke–kun..."
"Still pretending to be innocent? No wonder people called you a whore chasing after attention and validation," Sasuke said, his eyes dark and hollow, looking at her as though she were filth, not the kind, sweet girl completely blindsided by his accusations.
Was he talking about Naruto? Because she used him? If that's the case, then...
"W-Wait, Sasuke–kun, i-if you mean Naruto (she intentionally left out the '–kun'), then I'll tell him everything and apologize. It's true—I used him at first, but he's my dear friend. I respect and care for him deeply now. I stopped using him a long time ago. He's really important to me. I'm sorry. I'll apologize to him."
Tears welled up in her eyes as her heart ached from the crushing pain. What hurt even more was Sasuke's contemptuous stare. He despised her entirely, and she was failing to explain herself or convey her sincere love for him.
Sasuke didn't reply. He simply walked past her without a word, paused momentarily, then resumed walking—as if she didn't even exist.
"S-Sasuke–kun!" Sakura cried out, feeling a gaping emptiness consume her. If he walked away now, she'd never be able to clear this up!
"W-Wait, Sasuke–kun, I'm telling the truth! I don't care about how others see me or about being praised. I did it all for you—because I loved you."
She smiled faintly through her tears, grabbing his hand tightly as she said with a broken smile:
"I-I did it all for you... Doesn't that mean we should be together? Sasuke–kun, shouldn't you return my feelings since I was a good girl for you all this time? I used Naruto's feelings to reach you. I don't care about him at all. You're the one who matters to me. I don't love him—I hate him. I despise him. You're the only one I love, Sasuke–kun."
She looked up at him, still smiling as tears streamed down her face. She no longer knew what she was saying. Words spilled out that she couldn't take back. All she wanted was for him to stop looking at her like that.
But she was only met with even more coldness and disdain.
Sasuke shoved her hard, sending her falling onto the ground. He stared down at her and said in a chilling, angry voice:
"I thought you were better than this. But now, you've proven you're just a slut—using others for your own gain. You're trash, Sakura."
Turning his back with complete indifference, he added coldly as he walked away:
"Don't follow me. Don't talk to me. Don't look for me. Don't show me your face ever again. Looking at garbage hurts the eyes."
He spat toward her and shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked away.
Sakura felt like she had lost everything—utterly, irreversibly—through the most brutal rejection imaginable.
Her tears poured without pause as she stared at Sasuke's fading figure disappearing into the distance.
She covered her face and began to sob bitterly.
This once beautiful, vibrant blossom had died.
She had become a wilted cherry blossom.
Meanwhile, on Sasuke's side, he clenched his teeth in silent rage. His heart ached deeply.
Why?
Was it because she loved him and it took him by surprise?
Or was it because of the harsh cruelty he'd shown to that cherry blossom?
It didn't matter anymore.
Everything was turning gray.
It was as if the light within him had been consumed by darkness.
"Damn it!!"
He growled through gritted teeth and kept walking.
. . .
Scene Six
. . .
A Wilted Cherry Blossom (1) — End
. . .
Naruto's POV
. . .
"So, what did you drag me into this time?"
I crossed my arms with a sigh, eyes half-lidded in Scarlett's direction.
"Well, the company is producing a new song for me. The scenario is that I fall in love with a mysterious man I've never met before. The song ends with a kiss scene between us," she said quietly, glancing away.
"A—A kiss?!"
I yelped, staring at her in utter shock.
This lunatic wants me to play that role with her?
"But... that would be my first kiss! I don't want to give it to a stranger I've never even seen before!" she said with fiery conviction, locking eyes with me.
"Shouldn't you give it to someone you actually love?" I asked nervously, baffled by her logic.
Scarlett blushed slightly and looked away. "I would—if there was someone I loved romantically. But my heart only loves singing. It doesn't need a man!" she added with a gentle smile.
I could tell she was genuinely passionate about her singing. But for a girl her age to never have fallen in love? That was... suspicious.
I opened my mouth to respond, but my phone started ringing in my pocket.
Whoever was calling had just saved me—at least for now!
. . .
Scene Seven
. . .
A Wicked Curse and a Wilted Blossom
. . .
Naruto's POV
. . .
After crying for what felt like an eternity, Sakura stood with lifeless eyes and wandered aimlessly until her feet led her to a small park.
She sat down on an empty bench and stared into space.
"You're annoying. Pathetic. An attention-seeker. After you're done exploiting Naruto, are you going to latch onto me and use me too?"
Sasuke's cold, scornful tone echoed in her mind.
(That's not true... I'm not like that.)
"Don't follow me. Don't talk to me. Don't look for me. Don't show me your face ever again. Looking at garbage hurts the eyes."
(But I was a good girl... I did it all for you. Don't leave me.)
Her gaze stayed locked in the void. She was on the verge of losing her mind.
She opened her bag, pulled out her phone, and tried to message Sasuke.
< You can't contact this user >
She had been blocked.
(That doesn't matter...) Her face darkened as she began closing the phone.
Her vision was graying… until she spotted a different name.
A faint glimmer of hope lit in her eyes.
She opened the chat and read through the old messages.
< Sakura–chan, the weather's nice today, don't you think? But not as nice as a certain cherry blossom I know, hehehe >
< Sakura–chan, let's go on a date! Hehehe, just kidding. I invited Sasuke and Kiba too. We're waiting for you >
< Sakura–chan, today was fun with you. Take care, see you later >
< Sakura–chan, don't forget to study and sleep early so you can wake up feeling healthy! >
< Sakura–chan, just because you're from a noble family doesn't mean you should look down on others. Always be kind and speak respectfully >
She remembered what she had said to Sasuke earlier—those cruel, bitter words.
"I-I did it all for you… Shouldn't we be together then, Sasuke–kun? Shouldn't you return my feelings since I was a good girl all this time? I used Naruto's feelings to reach you. I don't care about him at all. You're the one who matters. I don't love him—I hate him. I despise him. I only love you, Sasuke–kun."
She scrolled through the messages slowly.
< Sakura–chan... >
< Sakura–chan... >
Every message from him had her name with "–chan." Always respectful. Always gentle.
But what had she done in return?
Betrayed his kindness?
Sacrificed his feelings for her selfish desires?
Raindrops started falling on her phone.
Fwoooosh.
Rain poured down heavily, but while people ran for cover, the broken cherry blossom sat still—drenched, eyes wet, lips trembling, cheeks flushed.
When had Sakura ever had the heart to speak such cold words to Naruto?
That wasn't her.
What had driven her to such a pitiful state?
Love...
Was love always this cruel?
Did it really make people trample others just to win someone else's heart?
Was love truly a wicked curse?
. . .
Scene Seven
. . .
A Wicked Curse and a Wilted Blossom (End)
.
.
.
Scene Eight
. . .
Boldness and a Blooming Blossom
. . .
Naruto's POV
. . .
After answering the call, I apologized to Scarlett and stepped out of the room.
Then I picked up with a smile, "Sakura–chan! I'm glad you called!"
"N–Na–Naruto–kun... (she added –kun again to my name)... W–Where are you right now?"
Her voice sounded strange, and it immediately made me worried.
"U–Uh, I'm not doing anything right now. What about you? Why does your voice sound shaky?"
"A–Ah, I'm sorry. Could you come meet me?"
"Of course! Where are you right now?"
"In the park near the Uzumaki district."
"Got it! I'll be there in a few minutes, I'm not far."
I hung up quickly, turned back toward the door, and opened it.
Scarlett seemed confused, noticing that something was off. She waited for me to speak.
"A–Apologies, something urgent came up. I have to go."
"Wha—?" the director began to protest, but Scarlett cut him off and calmly said, "I understand. Go."
I bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Scarlett."
Then I rushed off to see Sakura and find out what had happened to her.
Dear Sakura… please let it be nothing serious!
. . .
Scene Eight
. . .
Boldness and a Blooming Blossom
. . .
I reached the park quickly. The rain had stopped just minutes before. I was panting as I looked around and continued moving swiftly in search of Sakura.
There she was—sitting alone on a bench, completely soaked.
I ran up to her. "Sakura–chan!!"
When I reached her, I saw her face—sad, broken. The trails of her tears looked as if they were etched into her skin.
"Were you crying? Who did this to you?!"
I asked, full of emotion, stepping closer. And then—
She threw herself into my arms, wrapping her arms tightly around me.
"Naruto–kun… Naruto–kun!!"
I was completely stunned. My face turned bright red as I stammered, "S–Sakura–chan? W–What's wrong?"
She cried in my arms as if she'd vanish the moment she let go. What happened to her? What brought her to this miserable state?
I couldn't figure it out. I thought maybe Shino had made a move again—but that couldn't be. If it were Shino, she wouldn't be calling me again like this...
"Sakura–chan?"
After a few minutes, when I felt she had calmed down, I gently called her name again. That prompted her to step back slightly.
"I–I'm sorry... I acted rudely."
"I–It's fine, Sakura–chan," I scratched my head awkwardly, then shifted to a more serious tone. "But what really happened?"
She went quiet, as if a heavy guilt was eating away at her heart.
"I'll tell you everything. And when I'm done… I'll accept whatever comes."
What… is she talking about?
But I didn't ask. I simply stayed quiet and waited for her to speak.
She told me everything. From the moment we drifted apart… to the moment she called me.
Every detail. Word for word.
I remained silent afterward. And so did she.
"That's who I really am. A thankless, vile girl who manipulates her friends for her own gain. That's me—Haruno Sakura."
I said nothing as she stared down at the ground.
"I'm not asking you to restore our friendship. I don't deserve to be your friend."
I stood up and looked at her firmly. I stayed silent until she gathered the courage to meet my eyes.
"That doesn't make me angry at you. Sure, it bothered me a little—to know you were using me. But I can tell when you're being serious and when you're scheming. It's my fault too—for knowing your intentions and staying silent. That's what led to all this."
"That's not true. You saw me as your friend, so you turned a blind eye to my actions. I don't deserve your forgiveness. I don't deserve your kindness," she replied with frustration, staring up at me.
"You're my dear friend, and I love you. Of course I'll protect you, no matter what. Saying you don't deserve kindness is just cruel."
Sakura suddenly stood up, emotional. "Even though I manipulated you and used you, you still respected me this much? That just makes me feel even guiltier!"
"That's not the kind of love I meant. I love you, Sakura–chan. I'm in love with you!"
I turned away to avoid seeing her face, but I was sure she was completely stunned.
I had finally confessed my feelings to her.
I won't run away anymore.
"What are you saying?! Are you trying to comfort me? After all that, you're saying you love me?! No one could love a wretched girl who exploits others!"
"But I love you. I've loved you for a long time. I knew you were using me—and still, my heart never stopped beating for you. Not even for a moment, Sakura–chan."
"Are you an idiot?! How could you still love me after all that?!"
"Then... should I prove it to you?"
"I told you—I don't need your sympathy. Prove it? What do you think you can—"
She suddenly stopped speaking.
No—I silenced her with my action.
I grabbed her head gently… and kissed her lips fiercely, with burning passion and overwhelming emotion.
I didn't know what had come over me. I wasn't thinking—just feeling. The way she yelled, her despair… it pushed me to silence her with a kiss full of everything I felt.
A kiss I hoped would make her understand how much I loved her. How deeply I was obsessed with her.
I kissed her lips with everything I had.
And I didn't want to think about anything else.
Our breaths broke apart, and I pulled away slightly. But then—she wrapped her arms around my neck, bringing our faces even closer.
I looked at her, my face flushed. She was blushing too, eyes dazed as if she'd just woken from surgery.
"Are you an idiot, Naruto–kun? That was my first kiss ever. The kiss I wanted to give to the person I truly love."
I panicked. "Sakura–chan! I'm sorry! I don't know what came over me!"
"It was my first kiss. You'll have to take full responsibility for stealing it like that, Naruto–kun."
I flinched at her tone, squeezing my eyes shut in fear, thinking she was about to punch me and end my life.
But what came next shocked me even more.
Soft lips touched mine again. I opened my eyes wide in surprise—she was kissing me.
What did she mean by taking responsibility?
I closed my eyes again, wrapped my arms around her waist, and kissed her back.
Nothing else mattered now.
I had dared to kiss her, and I had to take responsibility.
Whatever that meant—even if it meant becoming an unforgettable kiss to her.
And I think… it wouldn't be unforgettable just for her.
We both surrendered to a forbidden sin—one we shouldn't have fallen into.
The sin of desire…
I slowly slid my hands from her waist… up toward her chest.
My mind wasn't thinking right or wrong anymore.
When I touched her chest and gently caressed it, she let out a soft moan—a sweet sound that made me crave her even more.
My hand wandered downward, to somewhere even more dangerous.
I didn't touch it—but I was so, so close.
Then Sakura snapped back and said quickly, blushing fiercely:
"N–Naruto–kun! A–Are you an idiot?! I gave you my first kiss, but I never said you could have my body too!!"
I came to my senses, eyes flying open in shock. My face turned beet red and smoke practically burst from my head as I stumbled back.
"I–I–U–Uhh–"
I couldn't form a single word.
Sakura picked up her bag and said, without looking at me, "I–I'm sorry. I have to go."
She stepped close, leaned in, and kissed my cheek gently and quickly.
"A–And also… thank you, Naruto–kun."
. . .
Scene Eight
. . .
Boldness and a Blooming Blossom — End
. . .
To Be Continued.